Funding for Better Connections Between Communities in NI and GB

The Government has launched a two-year fund to support an inclusive United Kingdom.

The new £1 million Connect Fund aims to bring together community groups across the UK to better improve the lives of all communities in Northern Ireland.

The Fund offers grants of between £300 and £50,000 to voluntary and community sector organisations, civic society and national representative bodies including for underrepresented voices.

Applications must have a clear East-West lens and deliver on one or more of the following objectives:

• Strengthen East-West connections by developing long lasting civic relationships.
• Propose an original approach to developing East-West connections.
• Support the development of cultural, sports and people-to-people links.
• Build leadership capability opportunities for community leaders on an East-West basis.
• Facilitate positive and constructive dialogue on shared opportunities/challenges facing communities in the UK.

Proposed activities must directly benefit Northern Ireland; however, activities are not restricted by location and can occur in Northern Ireland or Great Britain provided stakeholders from Northern Ireland are involved.

The funding can be used for standalone activities as well as longer term proposals that facilitate ongoing engagement between civic organisations on a national and sectoral level.

Funding can enhance pre-existing projects or establish new opportunities for engagement.

This is a rolling grants programme.